The Black Lives Matter rally brought thousands to uptown Saint John. Photo by Ben Burnett.
Chants of “enough is enough” and “no justice, no peace” permeated the air as thousands of Saint Johners turned out to King’s Square on Sunday, in support of the city’s Black Lives Matter movement.
The rally was in solidarity with international protests following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Regis Korchinski-Paquet.
Saint John Black Lives Matter movement organizer Matthew Martin says Sunday was a special day.
“To watch and hear our community come together, stand, and fight against racism was breathtaking,” Martin said. “Saint John stepped up in a big way today.”
The event featured speeches by Mayor Don Darling, Nasiyr McGill, Li Song of PRUDE Inc., and Kathy Young, among others.
Young expressed the importance of white allies taking on the work of calling out racism when they see it in their lives.
“It’s going to require standing up to your loved ones, friends, coworkers, neighbors, people in our communities. Are you willing?,” she asked. The crowd roared back in agreement.
Martin said that it’s important for residents to keep up the momentum the Black Lives Matter movement has gained.
“Now it’s time to show commitment and stand against racism in our every days lives,” Martin said. “The days of being silent to racism have come and gone and a new era is here. It’s time to stand up!”
Longtime local activist Ralph Thomas said he never expected to see Saint John turn out a crowd like that.
“I never imagined we would have a crowd like this out for the Black community, supporting the Black community,” he said.
After the speeches, event attendees flooded into King Street, walking towards City Hall, where they took a knee and observed a moment of silence.
